To understand the architectural landscape that King Charles III dreams of adopting for the United Kingdom, one should visit Poundbury in southwest England and wander the streets of this "model" village, in which the king designed every corner thirty years ago.

King Charles III, known for his environmentalist stances, was known for his campaigns against modern architecture.
In the early 1990s, Charles III decided to implement his ideas by subsidizing the construction of Poundbury, a "model" residential area established in the English county of Dorset that now has around 3,500 residents.

Cement is almost absent from the architectural scene of Boundbury, as large houses and municipal buildings are built using stone, giving the impression that one of the prestigious London neighborhoods has moved to the countryside.

"Charles was very keen to implement the project in line with his ideas of architecture," Blake Holt, president of the Residents' Association of Poundbury, told AFP.

Of the Duchess of Cornwall's pub, named after Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, he adds that the aim for Poundbury was to "provide residents with good quality and presentable housing, and to create an amazing place to live".

Before becoming a royal couple, Charles and Camilla were the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, titles now held by William, the king's eldest son, and his wife, Kate.

And the king was constantly expressing his great opposition to modern architecture, in a position he dealt with in the book "Vision of Britain" (1989). A few years ago, the King halted a project to expand the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square, calling it a "monstrous wart".

It was assumed that the residential complex, which was built in the neoclassical Georgian style and adjacent to the city of Dorchester, reflects the architectural vision of King Charles III, but it has been met since its inception with criticism that its launchers point out that it is similar to "Disneyland of the feudal lords" due to the adoption of diverse and heterogeneous architectural styles.

Matthew Carmona, professor of urban planning at University College London, says with a smile, "Over the years, the king has built enmities in the field of architecture."

But he admits that the industry community, which was skeptical at first, "has come to accept the idea that buildings should be built in a more sustainable manner, and places that allow residents to stroll while characterized by many uses."

As for the project's defenders, they see Charles's commitment to developing the high-tech sector at Poundberry as an indication that the king is not living in the past.

Alon Reis, director of a local company specialized in the manufacture of aviation equipment, confirms that the residential village was "established in an environmentally conscious manner and in a way that suits our employees."

He adds that the king "is very much in favor of progress, but development should be beneficial."

Poundbury residents say they are happy to live in the village. "At first I was against moving to the village, but after I got divorced, I felt comfortable and safe living on my own," said Heather Fosdyke, 50.

The village is not a place for the elderly, as it includes a school, for example. On the other hand, there are no traffic lights on the roads, as the king desires to urge the population to show awareness and prudence.

Jenny Janthe, a 28-year-old mum who previously lived in London, says Poundbury is "an amazing place to raise children".

However, some residents point to the lack of community spirit in the village. Priest Glenn Barrow believes that there is a "gap that must be filled," noting that "the cost of living is very high in this area, but there is a social housing unit."

Although Poundbury belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall, which has become the property of Crown Prince William, Charles's influence is still present in it.
"King Charles has been interested in the details of the project since its inception," said Jason Boorman, who is in charge of the village's development. "I'm sure he will continue to do so."